WRP, a Miya Group Company, in Association with Bigen Africa prepared a Water Demand Management Strategy in 2005. Various implementation phases followed. Sectorisation, Pressure Management and Leak Detection formed the key focus areas during this time. Incorrectly commissioned reservoirs were also addressed and rectified. Numerous operational problems such as closed valves and pressurized decommissioned sections of the network were identified and rectified.

In 2008 WRP conducted extensive audits into the metering of consumers in the Industrial and CBD areas of Rustenburg RLM. The Study found that metering of commercial consumers in these two areas was poor and many meters require replacement, additionally many properties were found to have un-metered connections. Contractors have been appointed in the latter part of 2008 to construct new consumer meter installations. Interventions performed in 2009 include:

• Upgrading non-domestic consumer metering
• Installation of bulk management meters on all reservoir outlets
• Leak detection and repair
• Further sectorisation

Benefits to the Municipality - Water, Wastewater and Energy Savings

• The implementation of sectorisation, pressure management and leak detection and repair in Lethabong resulted in water savings of approximately 201 480m³/yr for Rustenburg LM.
• The refurbishment and re-commissioning of pressure management in Boitekong resulted in a saving of approximately 151 548m³/yr.
• The upgrading of water metering infrastructure for non-domestic consumers will result in improved metering potential for the municipality and increased revenue as well as a reduction in the volume of Non-revenue water.

Expanding the Lifespan of the Network

• Sectorisation and pressure management of the Lethabong and Boitekong networks will result in the extended life of the AC and uPVC water reticulation infrastructure.
• Previously constructed and incorrectly commissioned infrastructure has been correctly commissioned and is now fully operational.

Health Implications

• Reduction in water losses from internal plumbing through pressure management and leak detection and repair results in improved water security for the future and long term health benefits.
• Less stagnant surface water reduces the prevalence of water borne diseases.

Benefits to the Community

• Less running water in the streets leads to an improved standard of living for the community.
• Fewer leaks in the network result in less groundwater and less surfacing of groundwater in people's properties.
• By reducing the leakage from systems the future of water supply to these areas is more secure.

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